Google has officially taken the plunge into mobile-first indexing. For those who may be unfamiliar with the term, this essentially means that whereas before, Google would give you a sweet spot on the SERP based on the content within your desktop site first; now, Google will be using the mobile version of your site pages for indexing and ranking on the SERPS, and your desktop site as an alternate.
Why would they be shaking things up like this, you may ask? Simple–they’re just keeping up with the times. Google, along with other brands and organizations, have long been following the unremitting rise of mobile search, mobile marketing and the overall mobile world for many years now. They’ve finally said, “enough is enough”– and you should too.
Optimizing your website should no longer be an afterthought, and if you haven’t already taken the leap, now’s the time. According to Pew Research Group, 91% of apartment residents will likely use their mobile device when they look for their next apartment. So, here’s the “ugly truth.” If your property does not have a mobile strategy, your bottom line and conversion rates are likely screaming for help!
Google has initiated mobile-first indexing in efforts to better help its users find what they are looking for online. If you haven’t yet thought about strengthening your mobile presence, or you’ve thought about it but have not yet taken action, here’s what you’ll need to know before embarking on your mobile-first journey.
Responsive design
Sites with responsive web designs are created to have the ability to be viewed on various devices. Using adjustable layouts, imagery and a little coding, your site will be able to automatically detect a user’s screen size and adjust its layout accordingly. This particular feature is extremely important for multifamily properties considering that more than 50% of users will not recommend an organization with a poor mobile presence. Don’t let this be your property.
Imagery
A picture does just more than say 1,000 words in the leasing industry. In fact, the quality of your images online are particularly important for your future residents, as it allows them a somewhat real-world opportunity to picture themselves in your community and determine if your space will meet their needs. Having high-resolution photos is key to creating a positive and pleasant user experience for your prospects online. It’s also interesting to note that the newer mobile devices now include specialized screens with resolution setting higher than those of a desktop, so your basic photos just won’t make the cut anymore.
Content
Also, when we think about a “mobile-first” site, we can’t help but mention the importance of good ol’ content. So, I’m sure you’re already pretty familiar with the mantra “content is king.” The same applies for mobile content. Remember to keep your verbiage short and simple to avoid unnecessary scrolling and load-up, but meaningful too. Highlight important information with a different size font or font type and distinguish headings so that users are always aware of your call-to-actions.
Rentbot can help.
Don’t let Google’s latest push leave you lagging behind the competition. Let Rentbot design you a budget-friendly multi-family website that is guaranteed to not only produce greater leads but increased conversion rates too. Through our advanced SEO services and proven strategies, we’ll improve your Google website ranking and optimize your property ads, so your property is noticed by the right searchers at the right time. And since each of our turnkey sites are already optimized for mobile, you no longer have to worry about spending countless marketing dollars to retrofit your existing site to satisfy Google’s latest mobile push. It also doesn’t hurt that we’re Google-certified!
Start a free website trial today and see firsthand what Rentbot can do for your property. Learn more here.
About the Author
Jonsette Calloway joined the Rentbot team in 2015. With a background in public relations, advertising and copywriting, she has helped a multitude of clients achieve their marketing and communications goals within various fields, but she particularly enjoys working with the apartment industry.